How do you teach an old dog new behavior?

Question

We adopted a pointer/boxer mix from the local shelter. She is a sweet dog, but has some bad habits. She is about three years old and was nearly starved to death when she was abandoned. We have a large dogie door for her to use as, our pets are house pets. She will use it sometimes but is not consistent. She likes to get into the trash and will help herself to anything on the counters. I understand her reason for wanting the food but we need to teach her some manners. She also taught our other dog how to jump the fence. We have had her for about 5 weeks now and she seems happy and has settled in. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Give her more time and she will use the doggy door more often.  Don't push her through the door.  See if you can prop it open until she becomes more comfortable with using the dog door.  Keep the trash in a tightly closed container and/or keep it where she can't get into it or at it.  Once a dog has learned that food is left out on the counter tops, she will continue to look there and help herself when possible so never leave food out unattended!  If she and your other dog can jump the fence, you need a better fence or some other way to keep them from leaving your yard.    So you see, you don't really need to teach the dog manners, you do need to train yourselves to change or move the trash can, not leave food on the counters and to fix the fence.

Answer 2

Sure you can..

A dog of any age can learn new tricks. Your dog should be familiar with the basics - sit, lie down, and stay, as these are excellent building blocks of new tricks.

To teach "sit," have a yummy treat in your fingers and place your hand near your dog's nose. Say, "sit," and move the treat over your dog's head toward his tail. As he follows the treat, he should sit naturally. When he successfully completes this behavior, immediately give him the treat as well as verbal praise in an excited voice, saying something such as "good dog!" When you are first teaching this behavior, always give the food treat and the verbal praise. When your dog seems to be associating the word sit with this behavior, gradually wean him off the treats. You may want to train your dog to a release command such as "okay!" so he knows when he can discontinue each behavior. As with all training, you should teach "sit" in short (10 minutes or less) sessions followed by free play.

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Thank you.

Answer 3

First off I would buy a garbage can with a "bullet" cover on it (like you may see in restrooms).  I recommend the ones with the small opening at the top, not a swinging door (too easy to bypass)  .  If she tries, a firm "no".  

You cannot depend on her to always use the doggie door.  You must go outside with her about every 2 to 3 hours.  When she goes outside, tell her what a good dog she is.  When she uses the doggie door and you see her use it, also tell her what a great dog she is.  Positive feed back is everything.  If she does have an accident, and you witness it, take her outside, while still going even if you have to drag her.  As she finishes where she supposed to go, praise her.  Do not however scold her for the accident inside, that will only make her afraid to go in  front of you.

As far as the food on the counters, booby trap it.  Meaning put something out you know she will go for and connect it to several empty aluminum cans (tie the cans together with dental floss)  The noise acts as negative feedback and will  discourage her from the behavior.  I did this with my dog and now  I can leave a steak sitting on the counter (though I don't recommend doing that) and he will not touch it.  

As far as the fence jumping goes, you need to be outside with them.  I'm sure you would hate for anything to happen to either of them.  You may want to consider leashing them. You may also consider installing an invisible fence.  The dog wears a training collar that delivers a shock (not dangerous) and eventually the dog  will stop trying.

Good luck.

Answer 4

How?

With poor vision and poor sense of direction?

Better lie down and stay in the kennel.

Luke 6.39-40,41-45,46-49

What do you think?